The close nexus between the facilities management sector and the cleaning industry stems from the fact that cleaning is one of the important services provided by an FM service provider. Cleaning is expected to become an inseparable part of facilities management as the market gravitates towards integrated facilities management or bundled services vis-à-vis silo services. The relationship will be further altered in the near future as contract cleaning companies are expected to join the FM bandwagon after acquiring the necessary skills.
Another significant change is the increasing presence of cleaning equipment and chemicals’ manufacturers at facilities management exhibitions, as was seen in the FM Expo and Hotel Show held last month. This is probably due to the strengthening bond between cleaning equipment suppliers and FM service providers with the rise in malls, hotels, resorts and mixed-use developments across the region.
Floor and carpet care
Kanoo Machinery, UAE distributors of Tennant cleaning equipment, displayed a significant range of products. The most interesting was the T7 Micro-Rider floor scrubber which is equipped with Tennant’s green ec-H2O chemical -free cleaning technology.
According to James Mc Sorley, Manager –Power Systems, Kanoo Machinery, the ec-H2O technology converts plain tap water electrolytically into a powerful cleaning agent without any added chemicals. The electrolysis process charges the water into a civic and alkaline solution which is very similar to a general purpose cleaner. After 45 seconds, the charged water combines to give plain simple water, which is what is left in the recovery tank.
“Not only does it eliminates the use of general purpose cleaners but does away with the environmental and human health hazards and costs associated with producing, transporting, packaging, using and disposing of harsh cleaning chemicals. At this stage it is the only machine that can clean with plain water,” explained Sorley.
“The machine is ideal for places like hospital wards and food and beverage manufacturing units where you wouldn’t want any chemical residue left on the floor,” said Sorley.
The T7 Micro-Rider scrubber was introduced in Tennant’s cleaning solutions portfolio in late 2007 and has been known for quite some time in the UAE with two purchases having taken place already. “It has attracted the attention of hotel operators and owners/operators of other facilities as well for it is a complete, environmentally-friendly machine with a low decibel sound level. Being battery–operated, it gives out no diesel fumes,” said Sorley on the rising popularity of Tennant’s green machine.
Kanoo also displayed the brand new T2 scrubber dryer, Tennant’s smallest battery-operated scrubber-dryer, with an ergonomic adjustable ‘safety trigger’ handle design. “The machine’s ease of operation, optimized machine sanitizing capabilities like an easy clean-out rotomold recovery tank and debris tray and low sound level of 68 dBA make it an ideal machine for use in hospitals, hotels, supermarkets and airports.”
Sorley pointed out the T2 scrubber’s efficient water recovery feature that leaves small congested areas ready for foot traffic immediately after scrubbing. “This means that the scrubber can be operated anytime during the day.”
On display was the Tennant T1 compact, low-profile cylindrical scrubber for small, tight spaces. “The chemical holding tank and chemical recovery tank in the T1 are the same as the T5 and the T7, which gives the owner the convenience of stocking up a just a few spare parts if he has any or all of the machines,” pointed out Sorley.
Designed especially for hotels with high-traffic where the housekeeping department has limited time to keep the rooms ready for the new occupant, Tennant’s R3 ReadySpace carpet cleaner enables housekeeping to clean and dry carpets within 30 minutes. Comparing Tennant’s ReadySapce technology to other carpet cleaning machines, Sorley said:”Other machines leave the carpet wet for about 24 to 48 hrs. The R3 machine does not spray water directly onto the carpet but onto counter-rotating fabric rollers. When damp these fabric rollers grab dirt from the carpet fibers and lift it into the machine. Inside, a sprayer rinses soil from the rollers while two vacuum shoes extract the ditty water into the recovery tank.”
The R3 can be used for daily interim cleaning while Tennant’s E5 carpet extractor can be used for deep cleaning of carpets. “The benefit of both these machines is that the carpets are dry in 30 minutes and the risk of slipping on wet carpets is not there at all.
Intercare, the supplier of cleaning equipment and hygiene care products displayed the Purleve hygienic door handle which is ideal for high-traffic public areas, that helps in keeping the door handle of away-from-home washrooms free of germ contamination.
S Hameed, Divisional Manager, Intercare’s Hygiene Product and Service Division explained how the Purleve hygienic door handle works. “The system’s ASD technology advances a self-contained sleeve of antimicrobial-treated material to fully cover the handles every time the door handle is grasped to provide each user with a sanitary touch. This product is especially relevant today in order to contain infectious diseases like bird flu and swine flu.”
Intercare also introduced a hot air hand dryer with a 38,000 rpm speed that can dry hands in 12 seconds. “It is generally seen that in hand dryers of lesser speed, the patron walks away with hands that are still wet and is hence reluctant to use hand dryers. We are confident that this super-fast hand dryer will be very useful.”
Another interesting and completely new laundry hygiene range was showcased by Intercare. The specialty of this laundry detergent created in the UK, is that it is “the only one in the world to contain Hygienilac, a non hazardous, biodegradable chemical which is a breakthrough in the fight against bacteria, including super bugs,” said Hameed. “Particles of Hygienilac actually bond to the towels keeping them bacteria-free and eliminating any cross-contamination risk. The product is certified by the FDAS (Food and Drug Analytical Service) as effective even against C Difficile whilst being totally non skin irritant (tested by SATRA).
According to Hameed, Intercare is the only company in the Middle East, washing its linen towel rolls in an automatic continuous processing machine (CPM), leaving them untouched by human hand. With Intercare’s decision to use the Hygienilac anti—microbial laundry detergent in its towel roll CPM machine, Intercare has taken this process a step further. “The Hygienilac laundry detergent will provide environmentally-friendly hand drying facilities which offer bacteria control as well,” said Hameed.
Dhofar supplies Celtex disposable products in tissue and non–woven such as medical rolls, hand towel rolls, toilet rolls, wiper rolls, and folded hand towels. It also supplies Celtex dispensers and roll-holders for the entire product range. Dhofar has also begun to supply the Daily line of industrial rolls, roll and spiral towels,C/Z folded towels, cellulose sheets, toilet paper in jumbo and smaller rolls and napkins from Carind.
Dhofar Global Trading has expanded its business to Abu Dhabi office where it now has a warehouse in addition to the warehouse in Sharjah.
Viking Gulf Trading also exhibited at the FM Show and out with product from all its principals. The newly-acquired Power Boss heavy duty industrial sweepers and scrubber driers) had pride of place as did the Tymco road sweepers. Viking Gulf Trading also displayed the Oertzen industrial pressure washers, cleaning chemicals from Evans and washroom hygiene products such as Viking air fresheners, self chemical dosing units such as the AutoJanitor, surface sanitizer and foam soap.
-
UK’s Care Quality Commission releases report on NHS performance ratings
Report shows improvement in compliance with hygiene code and reductions in MRSA and C. Difficle; Cleaning and Support Services Association urges NHS to use its expertise to improve cleaning
-
Transguard signs housekeeping contract with Radisson Blu Hotel and Park Inn on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island
UAE-based Transguard Group, part of the Emirates Group Company, has signed a housekeeping contract with the newly-opened Radisson Blu Hotel and Park Inn on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
-
Total Care Cleaning: Serving the challenging retail environment at Mirdif City Centre
Clean Middle East finds out how a contract cleaning company can provide valuable cleaning support to a retail environment
-
The Address Downtown Burj Dubai Laundry: a profit centre offering five-star quality service
Asfia Khan visits the laundry to see how it is able to offer quality service and also maintain profitability
-
Tennant sponsors Climate Action platform
Tennant sponsors Climate Action platform
-
Technical Chemical Laboratories wins Coral Group Middle East contract
Sanitation and hygiene products to be provided to all the hotels under the group in the Middle East
-
Tasjeel to test and approve food transport vehicles for Dubai Municipality
Inspectors from the municipality’s Food Control Department will ensure that the vehicles adhere to the hygiene requirements depending on the types of food they transport.
-
Speed Cleaning Company
Reacting just-in-time to changing
market forces
-
Special cleaning equipment designed to clean the world’s tallest skyscraper
The maintenance teams faced the daunting task of cleaning 24,830 reflective glass panes to prepare the 828 feet Burj Khalifa for the opening
-
Shamiana becomes UAE’s first Quick Service Restaurant to become Menu-Safe compliant
Shamiana, the flagship Indian Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) brand of Hotbrands
-
Seven Stars-Buzil adopts go-green stance to cleaning
Sadhvi Sabherwal talks to Isabell Wagner, Managing Director of Buzil-Werk Wagner GmbH on Buzil’s Planta edition
-
Serbot launches Gekko robot facade cleaning system
Robots slated to be cost-effective alternatives to traditional cleaning with the help of building maintenance units and abseilers
-
Saudi Arabia’s King Saud hospital successfully deploys AiroCide air purifying technology
The NASA-developed AiroCide technology uses innovative various pathogen-killing techniques based primarily
-
Saudi Arabia calls for stricter safety and quality standards in juice production
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has called for stricter food safety and quality practices in the global juice manufacturing industry, according to local reports. .....
-
Sage Sanitizing Wash receives Dubai Municipality’s seal of approval
Sage Sanitizing Systems offer cleaning, sanitizing and hygiene solutions for commercial and institutional facilities.
-
Rubbermaid Commercial Products scores big on healthcare
General Manager Katja von Raven underlines Rubbermaid’s commitment to supporting the healthcare cleaning sector
-
Ras Al Khaimah’s Food Control Lab increases capacity
Inspections of supermarkets in Ras Al Khaimah are now more effective
-
QInvest acquires stake in UAE’s Intercat Hospitality and Butlers Dry Cleaning and Laundry Services
QInvest acquires stake in UAE’s Intercat Hospitality and Butlers Dry Cleaning and Laundry Services
-
Prime Automatic Laundry installs Abu Dhabi’s first tunnel washer
The laundry also has the UAE’s first hot oil boiler
-
Nilfisk Advance: Advancing technology where green meets clean
Jorgen Jensen, President and CEO of the Nilfisk-Advance Group explains the group’s aim of providing sustainable, practical solutions that clean
-
Newmatic launches Girbau’s new 6 Series washers
Available in two versions- HS and MS series, it combines innovation with a simple control system
-
Newmatic brings the new PulseFlow technology for tunnel
Newmatic brings the new PulseFlow technology for tunnel washers to the Middle East
-
New food safety law to come up in Egypt
Alexandria Chamber of Commerce holds lecture to provide more information on new food safety law
-
MT Khoory appointed as distributor for Nilfisk-Advance sweepers
Nilfisk-Advance and MT Khoory & Sons Waste Management Division (MTK) have entered into an agreement to provide outdoor cleaning equipment in the UAE.
-
MBM wins massive contracts to clean schools and mosques in Abu Dhabi
MBM, (Modern Building Maintenance), one of the region’s leading total FM service providers recently won two massive contracts to clean the schools and mosques located in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
-
Lower cleaning cost with proper training
Asfia Khan speaks to Elizabeth Baumholzer, author of time studies conducted in Germany’s cleaning sector, shows how a little training can go a long way to create a more productive and cost-effective workforce
-
Local HVAC system cleaning contractor achieves NADCA certification
Local contractor James Day of Smashing Cleaning Services has successfully completed the examination process to be certified as an Air Systems....
-
LG launches new set of air purifiers
LG Electronics, a global innovator of air conditioners, in conjunction with Saudi-based Al-Hassan Ghazi Ibrahim Shaker Co recently launched a new range of air purifiers ......
-
Lack of food safety measures in Algeria leading to health hazards
90 percent of restaurants, shops are not aware of food safety measures – Head of Algerian Consumer Federation
-
Kimberley Clark launches global green initiative
Kimberly-Clark Professional (KCP) announced the launch of a global environmental-sustainability campaign, during the recent ISSA/INTERCLEAN North America tradeshow.
-
Kiehl organizes workshop for cleaning professionals
Kiehl Middle East organized a workshop on 4-5 May, 2010 at the Crown Plaza Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The two-day workshop was organized by Kiehl Middle East
-
Kärcher’s cleaning
Equipment for industrial applications gaining ground
As Dubai continues to abound in warehouses and industries in the region continue to grow, Kärcher reports a 50 percent growth in this business field over a period of three years
-
Kärcher launches new class of cold and hot water ultra high-pressure cleaners
The machines enable cleaning and renovating at 600 to 2500 bar pressure
-
January 22 is deadline for Amsterdam ISSA
INTERCLEAN Innovation Award entries
-
International Centre for Food Safety initiates distinctive food safety course with Canadian University of Dubai
Professor Eunice Taylor, Director - International Centre for Food Safety initiates distinctive food safety course with Canadian University of Dubai
-
Intercare to supply Taylor Continental waste bins
Intercare to supply Taylor Continental waste bins
-
Intercare takes on Dubai Metro challenge
September 9 2009, was a historic day in the annals of mass transportation in Dubai.
-
Innovative and ecological cleaning power from Gregomatic
The entrepreneurial story of success of cleaning surfaces, floors, walls and ceilings began almost thirty years ago. In the 1980s inventor Gottfried Gremminger developed a high-performing yet structure preserving vacuum-washing process.
-
Holiday Inn Al Barsha awarded with HACCP system certificate
Holiday Inn Dubai - Al Barsha has been awarded the HACCP System certificate,
signifying that the hotel operates in line with the top health and hygiene
regulation for hospitality services.
-
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah adopts JohnsonDiversey's Microfibre Cleaning System
The Jonmaster system triggered a reduction in water by six percent and chemical usage by 60 percent
-
HEALTHCARE
Cost per user is
what matters most
-
Heading towards sustainable growth of the laundry industry
As the laundry industry continues to remain
in the grip of market-driven factors,
-
HACCP Menu-Safe system arrives in the UAE
Food control officials from Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi observed the first one-day training courses which were attended by enthusiastic food businesses
-
Green Technologies forms tie-up with
Nasser Pharmacy, Bahrain's leading healthcare product and equipment supplier, has partnered with Green Air Technology to introduce AiroCide, a unique and patented airborne contamination control device, to the Bahrain market.
-
Food safety training in the Middle East can now incorporate certified qualifications by HABC
The certified courses from HABC have been ratified by the Government of Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)
-
Food Safety Conference to deliberate on enhancing food safety culture
A four-day international conference, scheduled to be held in Dubai next February,....
-
Food safety at the centre of Al Manzil and Qamardeen kitchen operations
Asfia Khan talks to Corporate Chef Geoff Haviland about how the TempTrak Monitoring System helps to control temperature-time abuse in order to achieve HACCP compliance
-
Excel International group launches environment-friendly facade cleaning solutions from Baudoin Wash-Systems, Netherlands
Clean Middle East attends the launch following week-long demonstrations across Dubai
-
Epsco to launch Sebo’s Dart 3 vacuum cleaner in the Middle East market
Epsco to launch Sebo’s Dart 3 vacuum cleaner in the Middle East market
-
Epsco organizes campaign to underline
Epsco organizes campaign to underline
importance of clean HVAC systems
-
Elgin street sweepers deployed to keep Qatar clean
Elgin street sweepers deployed to keep Qatar clean
-
Economic report lauds hospital cleaners and waste management staff
A study by UK’s New Economics Foundation quantifies the social, environmental and economic value of hospital cleaners and waste management staff
-
Dulsco conducts food hygiene campaign for blue-collar employees
Dulsco, a UAE-based company offering human resource solutions and waste management services to customers in the UAE and Qatar
-
Dubai Taxi Corporation upgrades vehicle cleaning facility
New technology enables cleaning of 50 vehicles per day with the use of limited amounts of water
-
Dubai Municipality uses GPS for food inspection operations
The Food Control Department of Dubai Municipality is currently using GPS devices
-
Dubai Municipality updates inspection system for food institutions
In the framework of the efforts made by the Dubai Municipality to develop and raise the technical and health level of the food institutions and keep up with global developments in the inspection, Engineer Khalid Mohammed Sharif Al Awadhi, head of Dubai Municipality’s Food Control Department called for forming a team to update the inspection system for food institutions.
-
Dubai Municipality launches campaign to clean tanks and drinking water coolers
Dubai Municipality launches campaign to clean tanks and drinking water coolers
-
Dubai Central Laboratory extends scope of accreditation; number of approved tests rise from 93 to 185
Dubai Central Laboratory extends scope of accreditation; number of approved tests rise from 93 to 185
-
Doctors under fire in Scotland for poor hand-hygiene
Incriminating report published by the Journal of Hospital Infection
-
DM launches hygiene campaign for beauty parlours
The Public Health and Safety Department of Dubai Municipality has embarked on a health awareness campaign.....
-
Diversey Gulf launches new fruit and vegetable sanitizer
The sanitiser called Oxytech D50/500 was launched at the recently concluded Gulf Food exhibition
-
Diversey Consulting organizes Saudi Arabia’s First International Food Safety Conference and workshops
The conference was held first in Riyadh followed by Jeddah while the workshops were held in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar, Dammam
-
Diversey and Intercare launch new generation of Taski floorcare machines
Automatic scrubber driers Taski 755B and 150E and Taski upright vacuum cleaners Jet 38 and 50 were presented to industry professionals at the launch
-
Danfo pioneering the drive for Multi Automatic Public Toilets in UAE
After the successfully installing a series of Multi Automatic Public Toilets (MAPT) in Abu Dhabi
-
CMS Berlin 2009 showcases new and innovative products
Environmental protection and cost saving benefits were the salient features of most of the equipment which set the trend for the show
-
Chr Hansen and Fanar Al KHaleej hold seminar for Sharjah Food Control Department
The focus of the event was on the use of natural food colours and the use of probiotics for better health and food safety
-
Carbonic International introduces 3G Cryogenic blast cleaning technology to the GCC
UAE-based Carbonic International, a dry ice cleaning solution provider in the GCC, has confirmed itself as one of the first companies in the Middle East to introduce the mobile 3G Cryogenic Blast Cleaning Technology
-
Cairo’s growing hotel market reflects positively on Egypt’s professional cleaning industry
As the economy picks up signaling the growth in the hotel market, the presence of major manufacturers of cleaning equipment at Hace Hotel Expo 2009 indicates that the time has come for good business in Egypt
-
Burnus wins Linencraft laundry contract
Under the 3-year contract, Burnus will supply Linencraft with laundry chemicals and dosing equipment
-
Britain takes the top eight places in a survey of the dirtiest hotels in Europe
Britain takes the top eight places in a survey of the dirtiest hotels in Europe
-
Berkeley Group bags Sunset’s cleaning, laundry and support services contract
Berkeley Cleaning Services will function as an integral part of Sunset’s comprehensive facilities management system
-
Belhasa Biotek Solutions ties up with Arpal Gulf to market BioSafe in the UAE
Arpal Gulf will be able to offer the UAE market the choice of using an environmentally friendly disinfectant for sanitizing fruits and vegetables versus other traditional methods
-
Arab Health 2010 to focus on better air quality and cleaning in healthcare settings
The Arab Health 2010 exhibition will provide the biggest ever interface between the visitors and the exhibitors.
-
Al Bariq expands service network in Oman
Al Bariq expands service network in Oman
-
AiroCide air purifying systems: resulting in food safety
The photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) technology kills all airborne containments and provides a sterile environment for food, applicable throughout the ‘farm to fork’ supply chain
-
Abu Dhabi restaurant shut down after
Tonnes of low quality food destroyed last month
-
3M Innovations for cleaning and maintaining facilities
3M claims that its products have long-term cost benefits for facility management companies and for facility owners alike. Editor Asfia Khan finds out how the products substantiate the claim.
-
Meydan Racecourse hosts :Fimap machines spruce up parking area in good time
Cleanco used several Fimap FS 80 Sweeping machines, provided by Al Bariq Cleaning Equipment, to clean the vast parking area behind the grandstands
